I have a set of wheels as such:
DT 4.2 rims, 28/32 hole
XTR-965 hubs (centerlock)
Wheelsmith 2.0/1.7 spokes
Alloy nipples
Total cost was ~$525 including a new set of XTR-965 brakes. These wheels are LIGHT (~1500-ish grams), and are plenty durable for me. Best money I spent on the bike. If you are careful scrounger you can build some for cheap too.
They dropped 2 lbs from the bike in the just the wheels! You can feel this! However, just make sure to lace disc wheels 3x ALWAYS. Nasty things happen otherwise.